Trigger arrived, with Soldier 11 naturally following close behind.
Her gaze fixed steadily on Zane. After not seeing him for so long, she couldn't help but feel curious about what he had been doing. He must have nearly forgotten her by now...
But when her eyes shifted, they landed on the snowman beside Zane. The familiar pair of goggles made the corner of her mouth twitch.
Well, wasn't this another kind of remembering...
No one noticed the change in Soldier 11's expression. Trigger stepped up to Zane, glanced at Augetta and Augilia, then leaned close to whisper in his ear.
"Zane, the payment for Project Two has been transferred to the account you specified. Since our cooperation so far has gone smoothly, they're looking to strengthen ties with you."
"To show sincerity, they had me bring some intel you might find interesting. On top of that, you can also make your own requests."
Trigger's expression was serious. After a pause, she continued,
"You know how single-minded those people are. They don't care about anything else. You can make bold demands..."
"Or rather, as long as it isn't something beyond their ability, it's not considered excessive."
Though Trigger was currently conducting covert operations in Mars District, her leanings were clearly toward this side. Her words made her stance clear.
It was, in a way, like being in one camp while her heart belonged to another.
"I see... I can understand that."
Zane nodded, a flicker of thought in his eyes. A few seconds later, he lifted his head, waved his hand, and said softly,
"Let's put that aside for now. They won't miss a few days. Just hand the intel to Belle, and make sure she sends a copy to Shin."
"Hm?"
Trigger blinked, a little surprised by Zane's attitude. This wasn't exactly a small matter. But after looking at him for a moment, she silently nodded.
"Alright."
If he was this decisive, he must have his reasons. After all, he had never once been careless.
Belle led Trigger toward the video store, while Soldier 11 stayed outside. She stood silently, watching Zane. Her lips moved slightly, as though she wanted to say something, but in the end she kept quiet.
"Sir..."
At his side, Augetta spoke softly. She hadn't interrupted earlier when business was being discussed.
"What is it?"
"Sir, doesn't this one look more like you?"
She raised her hands. Resting in her reddened palms was a small figure, noticeably more detailed than before.
Because gloves made sculpting difficult, she had taken them off. The warmth of her hands melted the snow slightly, the moisture making it easier to shape.
"Similar. Very similar."
Zane nodded, though Augetta clearly didn't believe him. She pursed her lips.
"Ah, sir, I know it's hard to capture your likeness with just snow. Whether it looks like you or not... I know."
Sighing, Augetta bent down and placed the little figure inside the snow castle by the video store. Straightening, she glanced at it again, a faint smile softening her face.
Watching her expression, Zane's lips curved faintly. Blue energy swirled around his hand as he raised it, speaking softly,
"Here. This looks like you."
An ice crystal figure formed in his palm—Augetta's exact likeness.
Her eyes lit up with delight. She reached for it, but Zane suddenly pulled his hand back.
"Warm your hands inside first. Don't worry, this figure won't melt like snow. It'll last."
Augetta let out an awkward laugh, shrinking her neck slightly as she murmured,
"You're amazing, sir. Too bad... I don't think I could ever learn something like this."
Even if she could, there wouldn't be time for her to learn. The thought brought a quiet calm to her expression.
"Mr. Zane, what about mine?"
Suddenly, Augilia popped out, cutting into their conversation. She looked at Zane with a hint of dissatisfaction.
"Mr. Zane, I didn't freeze my hands, you know..."
"If you want one, of course you'll have one."
Zane spread his palm, and another lifelike ice figure took shape—this time, Augilia herself. It was just a small trick, but one that brought more than enough emotional value.
Augilia smiled at the "little Augilia" in his hand, then pulled her sister into the video store.
Outside, Zane watched the sisters leave, his gaze shifting to Soldier 11.
"Why are you still standing there? Aren't you going in to sit?"
Soldier 11 didn't reply. Her hand twitched toward her weapon, clearly reminded of the time she had fought Zane. But she stopped herself almost immediately.
"Cat got your tongue?"
Zane stepped closer, waving a hand in front of her face with curiosity.
Soldier 11 turned her head away, still silent.
"You're not secretly wanting one of these, are you?"
Another ice figure appeared in his palm—this time, a miniature Soldier 11.
Her gaze lingered on it for a moment before she forced herself to look away.
"No."
"I see."
Zane nodded. Of course, not everyone liked such little things. Someone like Soldier 11...
But before he could close his hand, a blur flashed by. When he looked again, the tiny ice figure was gone.
Lifting his eyes, he saw Soldier 11 already heading into the video store.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
Wait, really...? Zero-frame reaction?
Helpless against her contradictions, Zane shook his head and followed her inside.
...
Moments later, the room beside the video store was bustling with people again.
"Hey, Zane, where'd you drag those twins from?"
Behind the sofa, Trigger leaned closer, curiosity written all over her. Beyond her seriousness during official business, she was just a gossip-loving "girl at heart." Well, as long as your heart's eighteen, you're forever eighteen...
"What do you mean 'dragged'?"
Zane frowned slightly, shooting her a look. What kind of phrasing was that?
"Then how did you get them—"
"Honestly, you're better off not knowing. Trust me, it'd blow your mind..."
Zane waved her off, then ignored her completely, moving on to chat with Augetta and Augilia.
Behind him, Trigger raised an eyebrow, feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
Wait, if you're not telling me, why throw in that last part? On purpose?
Tsk. Knowing Zane, it was definitely on purpose.
She shook her head, dropping the thought of pressing further. She couldn't let him have his way, or he'd just keep playing the smug "I've got everything under control" act.
"Zane, they look so pretty when they smile."
On the sofa, Belle leaned close to whisper softly. Augetta and Augilia were watching TV.
"Yes."
Zane's gaze lingered briefly on their smiling faces before he nodded in agreement.
Then his eyes shifted to Belle, whose expression was joyful yet tinged with sorrow. He gently patted her hand.
Belle turned, meeting his reassuring look.
"Everything will be alright..."
She lowered her head.
"Mhm."
"Everything will be alright..."
...
"Everything will be alright, Nicole."
Zane raised his hand, gently ruffling Nicole's hair. His eyes softened as he spoke.
Nicole's face was calm, but her gaze was distant, lost in the white before her. Noon sunlight washed over her, yet she felt no warmth. Instead, cold seeped in from all directions.
Her body trembled faintly. She wrapped her arms around herself. Seeing this, Zane swallowed back the words that had risen to his throat and simply drew her into his arms.
"Let it out. Whatever you're feeling."
"Holding it in will only make it worse."
Gradually, Nicole's rigid body loosened. She leaned into him, her eyes dim.
Beside them, Augetta placed down a bouquet of flowers. When she stood, her eyes carried a trace of sorrow as she looked at the two. She had always been one to empathize easily.
Augilia took her sister's hand, leading her away. On the way, they also pulled along the silent Belle. They knew Nicole needed space.
Through the pale, clear light they went.
Snow lay in piled corners, poorly tended. But with the grieving girl in his arms, Zane barely spared them a glance.
When Nicole's quiet sobs finally ceased, he spoke.
"Have the Dean's affairs all been handled? Is there anything I can do?"
Given the moment, he addressed her the same way she did—"Dean."
Nicole shook her head, looking up at him. Her cheeks were still wet, leaving a damp spot on his shirt.
"It's okay, Zane..."
She shook her head again.
"The Dean wanted everything simple, no trouble... so it was all rushed last night."
"This morning, once everything was settled, only a handful of people were notified..."
There hadn't even been a funeral. Nicole had handled everything alone. Even Zane had only been told at the burial that morning.
"Zane... do you think the Dean will feel cramped, or lonely, here?"
Her voice softened. She stared at the small gravestone before her, recalling the tiny box she had held in her hands. Her heart twisted.
Land in New Eridu was scarce. This cemetery, even on the outskirts, had come at a high cost. Ordinary people... might not even have a place to rest after death.
The white tombstone shone brighter against the snow, sunlight casting soft halos across its surface.
Zane stood beside Nicole, listening without speaking. She didn't wait for his answer, only continued, like talking to herself,
"No... I don't think so. After all, there are so many children waiting for the Dean..."
Her quiet words weighed on him. Lowering his gaze, he saw the exhaustion in her eyes. He rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Come on. You need rest now."
"The Dean wouldn't want to see you like this."
Nicole wasn't stubborn. She nodded and walked with him. But after a few steps, she suddenly stopped.
Zane halted too. She looked over at him and smiled faintly. Paired with her tear-swollen eyes, it looked bittersweet.
"Zane, don't worry about me. I know farewells are inevitable. Honestly, I'd already prepared myself..."
"What's that saying again? All good things must come to an end, right?"
Hearing her say this just to ease his worries, Zane gave her a helpless look.
"Nicole, don't flatter yourself. I wasn't worried about you... Alright, fine, I was."
He had wanted to lighten the mood, but seeing her brow almost furrow, he quickly corrected himself.
Nicole smiled, satisfied, and walked on beside him. Ahead, Augetta, Augilia, and Belle were waiting.
Wise sat in the car, his gaze falling on Zane and Nicole. He had already paid his respects to the Dean.
"Let's go."
Zane opened the door, watching Nicole climb in.
Yes... no feast lasts forever. Life is a journey of meeting, knowing, and sharing—only to part in the end. No one is spared.
As the car drove off, the cemetery lay quiet in the distance. Rows of tombstones stood, faintly gleaming. Snow glittered pure beside them.
...
The others at Hare's House only learned of Nicole's situation that afternoon. After all, she had only informed Zane.
It wasn't about sentiment—Zane had simply shared more with the Dean than anyone else... especially in her final days.
Because of Nicole, and the unknown circumstances surrounding Augetta and Augilia, the group let themselves relax for the day.
By evening, they were gathered around a large makeshift table in a hot pot restaurant.
The steaming dishes were perfect for the cold winter. And the lively atmosphere was just what Nicole, Augetta, and Augilia needed.